Scientific Name
Calceolaria crenata Lam.
Synonym(s)
Calceolaria amplexicaulis, Calceolaria fallax, Calceolaria floribunda, Calceolaria paniculata, Fagelia amplexicaulis, Fagelia crenata
Scientific Classification
Family: Calceolariaceae
Genus: Calceolaria
Origin
Calceolaria crenata is native to the Peruvian Andes and the Ecuadorian Andes.
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Description
Calceolaria crenata is a perennial plant with a branching habit and soft cordate leaves. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall.
The flowers are yellow, up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in diameter, and appear in clusters from spring to summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
While this annual can be grown both indoors and out, the most popular use may be as a potted houseplant. Once you look into the native environment for this bright flower, you'll know how to grow Pocketbook Plant. It comes from Central and South America in the cooler plains where water and bright sunlight aren't so abundant. Calceolaria care works best when you try to imitate its native home.
Keep the plant near a bright window but out of direct sunlight. If your only window is on a bright southern exposure, hang a sheer curtain between the plant and outdoors to filter the brightest rays. Northern windows and tables away from the light source are more hospitable for these plants.
Pocketbook Plant care includes carefully monitoring the water supply. These plants don't do well with too much moisture on their roots. Give the plants a thorough watering, then let the pots drain in the sink for about 10 minutes. Allow the soil to dry out until the surface is dry before watering again.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pocketbook Plants (Calceolaria).
Links
- Back to genus Calceolaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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